The New York Jets will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 of the NFL preseason on Friday evening. The moment the schedule came out, Jets fans wondered if they'd be playing against former starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers in that game. Unfortunately, they will not be.
When the Steelers were revealed as the Jets' second preseason opponent, it wasn't even clear if Rodgers would be returning to the NFL. Since then, he made the decision to re-sign with the Steelers, committing to playing one final season. Nonetheless, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Rodgers will not play in the exhibition warm-up versus the Jets on Friday evening.
McCarthy said that sophomore quarterback Will Howard will start for the Steelers. Rookie Drew Allar will then
replace Howard. Both Rodgers and fellow Steelers veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph will not play.
The Jets faced Rodgers during the regular season last year. Unfortunately, it was Rodgers who exacted revenge in that showdown. The Steelers won 34-32, with the veteran quarterback completing 22-of-30 passing attempts for 244 yards and four touchdowns. It was arguably his best showing of the season.
Meanwhile, Jets starting quarterback Geno Smith is still dealing with the same soreness that caused him to miss the first preseason game. The current expectation is that rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik will start for the Jets against the Steelers.
Steelers going with the young guns at QB vs. Jets on Friday.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 19, 2026
Will Howard will start, Drew Allar will come in next, per Mike McCarthy.
No veteran QBs -- Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph -- will play.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets won't get their preseason revenge vs. Aaron Rodgers
